Animal Attack Lawyers
An all too common cause of injuries is animal attacks, most often in the form of dog bites. In British Columbia owners of animals have a duty to ensure that their animals do not cause harm to individuals. If an owner’s negligence results in an injury they will be responsible. If an owner of an animal is aware of their animal having a history of dangerous behaviour, such as a dog with a history of biting, or a horse that was known to be unsafe to ride, there can be strict liability and there does not need to be any negligence on behalf of the owner in order to have a successful claim. This is called the legal doctrine of scienter and if it applies all you have to do is show the injuries suffered and seek commensurate damages,
Animal attacks can result in numerous injuries including:
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Soft Tissue Injury
- Fractured Bones
- Concussions
- Brain Injury
- Emotional Injury
- Psychological Injury
Animal attacks can often be quite traumatic, especially to young children. When children are injured in an animal attack it can sometime take a number of years before you can know what, if any, long term implications there will be regarding their injuries, whether physical or emotional in nature.
What To Do After An Animal Attack
The most important thing you can do after an animal attack is to find out who the owner of the animal is. If you can get a copy of their driver’s license and any other information you can. You should contact your local animal control office to report the attack. If the animal in question has a history of such attacks they will likely know about it.
Another important step is to get contact information for any witnesses. Animal attacks often happen quickly and the adrenaline is high, but when you bring your claim you will need evidence to support it and often an independent witness is the best evidence you can get.
Of course, it’s also important to go to your doctor and make sure your injuries are taken care of. In traumatic injuries like an animal attack it is important to have the proper medical treatment and investigation.
Homeowner Insurance and Animal Attacks
Often homeowners insurance or renters insurance will have an umbrella policy for negligence that will cover the injuries and resulting damages that flow from animal attacks and pay for compensation to the injured person.
The lawyers at Taylor & Blair LLP are experienced at dealing with animal attack claims. If you have an animal attack claim and don’t hesitate to Contact us for help. There are time limits in which you have to act or your claim may be barred.